Title: Faith Overcoming Poverty
Exodus (2) Faith to Overcome Poverty
(Exodus 1:8-14)
"Faith overcoming poverty"
There is a saying. “Because Jesus lived poor, the saints must also live poor.” So some people mistakenly believe that being poor is a sign of a high level of faith, and even consider it a sin to be rich. Did Jesus really encourage poverty by living in torn poverty? It's not like that.
Jesus is mentioned in Matthew 8:20. “Foxes have dens, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Some people use these words to assert that Jesus did not even have a two-pyeong house. Really?
In John 1, two of John's disciples asked Jesus' house, and Jesus told him to come. So they went to Jesus' house and stayed overnight. That means the house of Jesus is large enough to accommodate two guests. In that house Jesus lived with at least six of his brothers. Then what does it mean to say that the Son of Man has no place to lay his head? Those words do not mean that Jesus actually had no dwelling place, but rather that he left his home and went around busily to witness the gospel.
Also, it is said that the disciples carried a money box when Jesus was on a missionary journey, and that Judas Iscariot, who was in charge of the money box, stole the money (John 12:6; 13:29). Jesus used the money in the money box to buy things and to give alms. Where did that money come from? This is because the transformed people, such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, served with material things (Luke 8:1-3). In particular, Joanna, the wife of Jegi Gusa, who was King Herod's treasury keeper, would not have had any material concerns. Therefore, it is wrong to say that the saints should also turn away from money and live in poverty because Jesus turned away from money.
When God created the heavens and the earth, He created them in abundance. To say that it was very good in God's eyes means that creation was abundant. The Garden of Eden was originally a garden of abundance. But, after the crime, I have tasted poverty among thorns and thistles of curse. After all, poverty was not originally given, but after the crime. Therefore, have faith and hope to overcome poverty. Although poverty is not a sign of sin or wrongdoing, believers must pray, strive, and exercise wisdom to overcome poverty according to God's original will.
< Dedicate yourself to faith >
After Joseph's death, great adversity unfolded, but the children of Israel began to prosper terribly. So the king of Egypt, who did not know Joseph, was concerned about their rebellion, so he controlled them more and put them through terrible labor to build the state treasurys of Pidom and Rameses (verse 11). But the more they were abused, the more they prospered (verse 12). Prosperity is independent of adversity. As such, God wants to lead His people into a world of abundance. Therefore, seek to be rich in your mind and spirit, and to have a prosperous life.
Calvin said. “God always keeps his promises. But man must persevere until then.” If you persevere and run hard, God will surely fulfill His promises. The Bible is the story of those who received promises, those who lived according to their promises, and those who finally fulfilled their promises. Even if you have a promise, if you do not persevere in faith, even the promise you have been waiting for is of no use. To make God's promises your own, commit yourself with faith.
In Malachi chapter 3, God gives the saints no place to accumulate blessings if they dedicate themselves to them. If you work hard, your dedication will never be in vain. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, we see this saying: “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Devote yourself voluntarily and do not commit stingy or compulsion. God gives love and grace to those who are willingly devoted.”
He who sows bountifully reaps bountifully. God blesses us when we dedicate ourselves. Sometimes when you feel poverty in soul and body, take it as an inner message that calls for a life of sowing. Don't dwell on your appearance now. If you go out with dedication, there are many opportunities to break free from poverty and become prosperous. Also, if you dedicate yourself like that, you will first be freed from poverty and oppression in your thoughts and words, and the reality will unfold along with your thoughts and words.